On July 17, 2025, Dr. Lauren Wikholm of Inovia Vein Specialty Centers delivered a compelling presentation at the APAOG Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. Her talk, titled “Venous Considerations in Women’s Health: Pregnancy, Pelvic Venous Disorders, and Varicose Veins,” highlighted the critical role of vein health in women’s overall well-being – especially during pregnancy and postpartum.
What Is APAOG?
The Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology (APAOG) is a leading organization supporting PAs in women’s health. APAOG promotes collaboration, education, and advocacy to improve care across the lifespan. Their mission is to empower PAs to deliver high-quality, equitable healthcare to women nationwide and globally.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Wikholm’s Presentation
Dr. Wikholm’s lecture emphasized the importance of recognizing and treating venous conditions in women – ranging from common varicose veins to underdiagnosed pelvic venous disorders. Her audience of physician associates engaged in lively discussions, reflecting the growing awareness of vein health’s impact on gynecologic care.
Varicose Vein Disease in Women
• Affects nearly 30% of Americans
• Women are disproportionately impacted due to hormonal changes and pregnancy-related stress on the venous system
• Classified using the CEAP scale (1–6 severity levels)
Pregnancy and Venous Health
• Pregnancy increases the risk of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Early detection and management are key to preventing complications
Office-Based Vein Treatments
• Offer relief from leg pain, swelling, stasis dermatitis, and venous ulcers
• Can significantly improve vulvar varicosities, a condition often overlooked in clinical practice
Spotlight on Pelvic Venous Disorders
Dr. Wikholm shed light on several lesser known but impactful conditions:
• Ovarian vein reflux – a rare cause of chronic pelvic pain
• May-Thurner Syndrome – compression of the left iliac vein
• Nutcracker Syndrome – compression of the left renal vein
DVT Risk During Pregnancy
The presentation concluded with a focus on DVT in pregnancy, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and safe treatment strategies to protect maternal health.
A Shared Commitment to Women’s Health
Inovia Vein Specialty Centers is proud to collaborate with APAOG in advancing awareness and care for women with venous conditions. Events like this reinforce our shared mission: to educate, collaborate, and improve outcomes for women everywhere.
Need Help with Vein Health?
Call 1-800-VEIN-DOC or visit www.InoviaVein.com to learn more and schedule a consultation.